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a very delicate one so far as the Conference is concerned. The only satisfactory way of arriving at any decision would be by a deputation waiting on the Commissioners. I know there is a very strong feeling abroad in the country on this subject. It is felt that the Commissioners laid themselves open to the charge of dismissing these railway servants for the purpose of disorganizing the Eailway Servants' Association, and bringing the men to submission. But lam not prepared to make a definite statement to this Conference upon that subject. It is certainly a most unfortunate and singular coincidence that the men who have been dismissed are the men who have been taking a part in the conduct of those societies. I submit that the Commissioners should be asked to receive a deputation from this Conference on the subject. If they decline to receive such deputation we might consider what other course was proper to be adopted. Mr. Meyer : I will second the resolution proposed by Mr. Sandford. It is due to every delegate of the Conference that this matter should receive attention from the public. I think the public already sees that unionism does not wish to go against the Government of the country, or take any power out of their hands. The trades are still willing to use their fullest endeavours to bring about an amicable settlement of this difficulty which has arisen; but there is no disposition on their part to take any power into their own hands. Those who oppose the unions have shown that they are endeavouring to crush them. It behoves every person to bring what endeavour he can to urge the Commissioners to desist, or, if not, the Government to hold their hand. Motion put and carried. Mr. Winter proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Waldegrave, secretary to the Conference, and to the representatives of the Press. —Seconded by Captain Highman, and carried. At 12 noon the Conference adjourned sine die. {Approximate. Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), £28105.]

By Authority : Geobge Didsbcey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l.

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